First training of 2017 with the full squad

Suárez, Messi, Neymar Jr and Mascherano have returned from the holidays and trained ahead of the Copa del Rey against Athletic

www.fcbarcelona.com

05:15PM Monday 02 Jan

Football

02 Jan 17

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2017 has officially started for FC Barcelona's first team. The full squad trained on Monday including Leo Messi, Luis Suárez, Neymar Jr and Javier Mascherano who are back from their extended break. The blaugranas, who went back to work last Friday, are preparing for the first leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16 against Athletic Club. The match will take place on Thursday 5 at 9.15pm CET.

Following the New Year's Eve celebrations the players had a day off and returned to action today at the Ciutat Esportiva. Luis Enrique led a training session on the Tito Vilanova pitch with the avaialable squad, including the South American stars. However, Jasper Cillessen was unavailable as he is still out following the injury to the soleus in his left leg.

The team will train again on Tuesday ahead of the two games this week. After the Athletic Bilbao Copa game, the Catalans face a testing La Liga fixture against Villareal on Sunday at 8.45 pm CET.